Despite using methods like footprint analysis and computer modeling, experts face challenges in determining the exact speeds of dinosaurs.
Scientists Investigate Dinosaur Speeds
While much is known about dinosaurs, which went extinct around 60 million years ago, understanding their behavior often requires combining methods as their actions rarely leave traces in the fossil record. For instance, footprints provide insight into their locomotion. So, how fast could they run, and which dinosaur was the quickest?
Contenders for the Speediest Dinosaur
While scientists don't know for certain which dinosaur was the fastest, there are potential candidates. One strong contender is the Ornithomimosauria, a group of dinosaurs that resembled modern ostriches. Ostriches are the fastest living flightless birds, capable of reaching speeds of 55-70 km/h (34-43 mph) due to their lightweight bodies, distinctive gait, and impressive height of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet).
One anatomical feature that can indicate an animal's running speed is the ratio between its thigh and lower leg bones. This ratio can be incorporated into models to estimate dinosaur speed. According to Dr. David Button, a dinosaur researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, such estimates suggest that Velociraptors could run around 40 km/h (25 mph), at least in short bursts.
"This would have been fast by dinosaur standards, but still not the fastest. That accolade may go to the Ornithomimosauria group of dinosaurs, which had very long lower legs and are thought to have been capable of running as fast as ostriches - animals they resembled in appearance," said Button.
Ornithomimosauria: The "Bird Mimics"
Ornithomimosauria, known as "bird mimics," are often considered top contenders for the title of fastest dinosaur. The Encyclopedia of Alabama estimates their speed at up to 48 km/h (30 mph), but verifying these speeds is challenging. This is partly due to the evidence experts must rely on when determining dinosaur speeds. While some dinosaurs may have been very fast, identifying their footprints can be difficult.
Challenges in Determining Speed
Footprints provide one way to study dinosaur locomotion. By examining the tracks left by an individual, experts can make tentative estimates based on stride length and foot size. According to the University of California Museum of Paleontology, the fastest dinosaur speed estimated from footprints is 43.5 km/h (27 mph), comparable to the famed sprinter Usain Bolt.
However, scientists cannot confidently attribute this speed to a particular dinosaur species. Many dinosaur footprints look similar, making it difficult to identify the species based solely on tracks. Another concern is that the best-preserved tracks were made on soft ground, which is not an ideal surface for fast running. Therefore, they may offer only a limited view of dinosaur running speeds.
Computer Modeling Approach
Instead of relying on footprints, a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B by researchers at the University of Manchester modeled dinosaur running speeds based on anatomical data. They generated computer models of the musculoskeletal systems to predict the running speeds of three living bipeds (emu, ostrich, human) and five extinct species (Compsognathus, Velociraptor, Dilophosaurus, Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus). Of these, the fastest group was Compsognathus.
Summary
Determining the precise speeds of dinosaurs is challenging due to the limitations of evidence and the complexity of estimating speed from footprints or anatomical data. However, candidates for the fastest dinosaur include Ornithomimosauria, known as "bird mimics," and Compsognathus, a small, fast-running species.